UEFA Champions League
Barcelona vs Liverpool Preview
- Date: Wed, May 01, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: TNT and Univision
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Venue: Camp Nou
- Seating Capacity: 99, 364
The wait is over. Liverpool has traveled to the Catalan capital for the first leg of their semifinals matchup against Barcelona.
Camp Nou, the football temple that Jurgen Klopp undervalues, will host these two monstrous teams.
Both sides came as heavy favorites to win the tournament when it started back in August.
Liverpool came short last season when they lost the finals against Real Madrid in Kiev, Ukraine.
However, the Merseyside team is still competing in the domestic competition for a chance to win the title after 29 years.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have already secured La Liga and have set themselves up in the Copa del Rey finals.
Nevertheless, their hopes remain in conquering the Champions League title once again to continue competing against their bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Team News
Ernesto Valverde’s side have no major injury concerns. However, the Blaugrana manager will mainly have to decide on whether to use Philippe Coutinho or Ousmane Dembele. He’s been more prone towards the Brazilian as of late with Dembele coming off an injury.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have concerns over Roberto Firmino and Fabinho’s health. Both Brazilians missed action on Friday against Huddesfield. However, Klopp is hopeful to have them both back in the lineup.
Predicted Lineup
Barcelona XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suárez, Coutinho.
Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mané.
Prediction
Barcelona’s dreams at UCL have fallen short these past three seasons. However, they are presented with a golden opportunity to not only defeating one of the best teams in history, but also the favorite to win team left in the tournament.
Barca has to be very careful at not conceding at home as this could be damaging in their return match at Anfield. However, their defense looks to be in sync with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet meshing well. Samuel Umtiti could also be a participant if Valverde decides to use a line of tree defense man.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s doubt come from whether or not Firmino will be fit to play. If the Brazilian does not play, the tactical picture changes greatly for Klopp. However, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at front, one can’t never be too careful.
Liverpool will get a goal at Camp Nou but Barcelona will win the matchup 3-1.
Prediction: Barcelona 3 – 1 Liverpool
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Written by Edgar Gomez
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Photo credit to Barcelona via Twitter
